> We are better in terms of freedom of speech but it's certainly not a subject anyone can speak on freely

I lived in China for 6 years and am well versed in the levels of control in play there, and the degree of freedom here is not at all comparable.

Again, I don't know why you're deflecting. I said we are doing better. What I disagreed is that we aren't afraid to do so - we aren't, protesting these issues runs the risk to have your life ruined. No point reiterating what I said to avoid answering my point, which is that many people are rightfully afraid to protest these issues, while you said there is no fear to protest them.

Not deflecting at all. Is there significant fear of protesting them though? If there is I’m not aware of it and I consider myself fairly well read. If it exists it certainly is nowhere near at the level of the fear that exists in China which was my point.

Yes, there is, I know many people who are afraid of protesting because they'll likely lose their jobs. The police also likes kettling people in certain protests which can put you in a jail just for protesting.